ITT: We are all Pokémon Trainers

Lumiose — Near a Fountain-

-Alyssa is sitting on the edge of the fountain. A somewhat familiar young woman approaches her-

Woman: ...You look lonely...

Alyssa: ...I kind of am, yes...

-The woman sits down next to Alyssa-

Woman: It's a bit chilly for what you're wearing, isn't it?

Alyssa: Orre was... a l-lot warmer...

-The woman raises an eyebrow at Alyssa's hesitation-

Woman: ...I take it you're not from here in Kalos?

Alyssa: N-no... Holon, sort of...

Woman: Ah.

-The woman sighs-

Woman: It's a shame what happened there, a few months ago... Despite their scientists' supposed reputation, there were a scary amount of bad apples there...

Alyssa: ...What do apples have to do with this?

Woman: ...You haven't spent much time with humans, have you?

Alyssa: N-no...

-She looks down-

Woman: ...Something's happened to you too...

-The woman hugs Alyssa-

Woman: This world is filled with a terrifying amount of danger... It's my life's goal to help solve that problem. To make the world a safer, better place.

Alyssa: ...Oh...

Woman: I can't do it alone, though... Just one, very mortal human, against almost seven billion? Even with my ideas, I can't do it by myself...

-She looks Alyssa in the eye-

Woman: I do have a group helping me with my goal, but we need all the help we can get. Would you... be willing to join us?

Alyssa: ...Um...

-Alyssa hesitates for a bit-

Alyssa: <~Someone actually wants me to help them... All this time, I've been nothing but a load to my friends, but now...~>

-She looks back up at the woman, with a look that isn't quite as nervous and shy as it used to be.-

Alyssa: ...I-I'll do what I can.

-The woman smiles-

Woman: ...Thank you... I never did get a name from you. What might it be?

Alyssa: Um... Alyssa...

Woman: It's nice to meet you, Alyssa. My name is Echo.

edited 31st Dec '13 11:17:48 PM by Eskay64

Airship

Lua: ^_^ <Helo, Skoll! Can you help me think of funny things? Basket told me laughing helps stop nightmares, and I want to sleep soon...>

Tangent: It should be interesting watching your team operate.

Hmm... as for me...

-he points to Lua, a geodude, and a Scyther hanging around the room-

Lua, Cephas, and Rosary could use more battling practice. So I'll try to give them some limelight this arc.

Cockpit

Odd: -chuckles- <I'll take him off your paws.>

-he gently picks up Sirius by the scruff of the neck and takes the kit to a better sleeping spot-

Airship

Skoll: <Avoiding nightmares, hmm? My mother told me that a good tea party is an excellent way to avert nightmares, but you do not seem like the type to enjoy such activities. I could amuse you with interesting flame shapes.>

Airship, lounge

Forte: Oh, that sounds like a good idea.

Airship, cockpit

Shadow: <Thank you very much.>

-Stella resumes piloting the ship-

PEFE-B - Vantage Point - Likely Several Months After "Now" in Othersaga

-A certain Starly is perched on a rafter, counting down along with a few other young mons to usher in the new year-

<Pidgin: "5!">

<Rappelling Sapphire: "4!">

<Dracky: "3!">

-Aside-

<Polaris: "Heh... I knew that bringing the tribe up here was a good idea...">

<Pidgin: "Well hey, you can't beat the view!">

-And the skies become filled with a laser show-

<Polaris: "It's hard to believe that this is only the second time in over 6 centuries that our home has had such a New Year's celebration...

I wonder if there are any others that are also a bit different...?">

Octapolis - Kanto-B

-A certain family of background NPCs is having their own countdown in an apartment on the highest point of a ruined structure-

<Charmanders: "3... 2... 1... Happy New Year!">

-Which prompts their father to belch out a large gout of flame into the sky-

<Guard!Charizard: "Happy new year, ki- GAH!">

-And flinches after a second, and more powerful gout is expelled by his mate-

<Mate!Charizard: "You've got to save the more impressive stuff for later, you know?">

-Sheepishly-

<Guard!Charizard: "Ahehe... Well... I guess that's a good point...">

<Charmander!A: "Oh! Oh! It's starting!">

-And fireworks can be seen rising from assorted points around the ruined sprawl-

<Charmander!B: "Can we get fireworks here someday, dad?">

<Guard!Charizard: "Not while I'm in law enforcement. My nerves have to deal with enough on the beat."> ^^;

Mossdeep-B

-A certain messenger duo are on the docks, counting down with a large crowd-

<Crowd: "3, 2, 1...">

-And a mix of fireworks and various flash attacks are set off on the water, much to the delight of the crowd... And for a certain Dragonite, this means...-

<Vern: "Happy New Year!">

-And giddily bashes in the top of a large keg and starts to chug its contents-

<Dock!Honedge: "... Isn't that your partner? Aren't you concer-?"> O;

<Lucard: "I switched it with a keg of small ale when he wasn't looking. He'll pass out from overhydration before he gets drunk off that stuff!">

-Crossing arms-

<Lucard: "Sometimes you've just gotta be proactive with these things."> :P

Mount Vern - Johto-B

-A certain Gible and his mother are gathered along with a crowd of other dragons facing a lake-

<Bruce: "Is it time yet?"> :D

<Mother!Gabite: "Almost, dear."> ^_^;

<???: "Hrm? So you actually get fireworks out here?">

-And the Gible recoils at the sight of the speaker-

<Visiting!Nidorino: "... What? Your borders were opened last year and I wound up getting an invitation to come and watch instead of camping out on the border post on the ridge.">

<"Aunt Teak": "Well, think of it this way, dearies. Just getting guests here is already kind of an accomplishment, don't you think?"> ^_^ ^_^ ^_^

<Mother!Gabite: "I... Suppose. It's hard to believe how much a little scrap of paper has changed things for this town...">

-Shyly, poking out from behind his mother's flank-

<Bruce: "Er... Technically... We don't have fireworks...">

<Visiting!Nidorino: "Oh? Then what do you-?">

-And the sky is filled with arcing breath attacks-

<Crowd: "Happy New Year!">

<Visiting!Nidorino: "Ah... Clever!"> ^^

Aisle Town - Hoenn-B

-A crowd is gathered around a certain Krookodile's tent where...-

<Inebriated Hoenn Guard!Salamence: "H- *hic* Ha! I win! In your face, you dumb rock *hic* lizard!">

<Inebriated Peacekeeper!Tyrantrum: "It's only a *hic* win because we're dealing *hic* with your uncultured swill and not a refined drink for your betters like *hic* moi!">

<Crowd: "Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!">

-Outside, a rather visibly facepalming Rampardos and Cacturne are attempting to reassure a watching Flygon-

<Peacekeeper!Rampardos: "I can assure you... This is not remotely indicative of our behavior as ancients or peacekeepers."> >.<

<Hoenn Guard!Cacturne: "... I can understand if you want to file a report about this..."> >_>;

<Drye: "No, no, it's fine, really... I mean, it is an incredibly unprofessional show, yes...">

<Humphery: "Hey! Guildmaster Drye!">

<Svetlana: "We're not too late, are we?">

<Guardia: "Did we miss the New Year brawl?">

<Peacekeeper!Rampardos: "... What?"> O_o;

<Steve: "Oh! Oh! Looks like it's just getting started!">

-And the two inebriated mons give bellowing, drunken roars and rush each other to the cheers of the onlookers-

<Drye: "But they are carrying out a bit of a local tradition for us in place of our more local stock, so I'll let it slide."> ^_^

<Peacekeeper!Rampardos: "... Words... Fail. Me.">

<Hoenn Guard!Cacturne: "I will never understand these hick towns.">

<Steve: "Aww relax, it makes up for the small fireworks! And popcorn?">

<Hoenn Guard!Cacturne: "... Eh, why not?">

<Peacekeeper!Rampardos: "I suppose it couldn't hurt... Not like I'll probably be in this region next year anyways...">

Firuzland-B - A Capital City Across the Lake from a Palace Complex

-A large crowd of assorted mons in red scarves are amassed in a square that a certain Aerodactyl is overlooking-

-In the crowds, a number of placards can be seen, reading-

<Red Scarf!Clefable: "You can't ignore the masses!">

<Red Scarf!Yamask: "We do your work! We grow your food! So why are we your footstool?!">

-... Hrm... I guess 'festive' wouldn't be the right way to describe them, huh?-

-In the square, there is a series of barricades, along which-

<Red Scarf!Pangoro: "Argh!">

-Right... Clashes-

<Red Scarf!Pangoro: "Grr. Eat this, you cronies!">

-Back on a viewing platform-

<Csiki: "What on earth is the meaning of this? This is supposed to be a New Year's festival!"> >:|

-Shoving a nervously quivering Typhlosion in armor before the Aerodactyl-

<Guard!Aurorus: "Ask the serfs among us.">

<Guard!Armaldo: "Yeah, it's their kind that's causing all this trouble!">

-Curling up into a rough ball-

<Guard!Typhlosion: "Y-Your highness, pl-please, I-!">

<Csiki: "Oh, you were the leader of the new brigade in the parade last year...">

<Guard!Typhlosion: "E-Eh?">

<Csiki: "Well, I made you the leader, I'd hope that I wouldn't forget...

So... Since we meet again... What is it that you know about what's going on down there?">

<Guard!Typhlosion: "N-Nothing, your h-highness! I-I've not left the capital since I entered s-service! I wouldn't know of wh-what's happening in the countryside!">

<Csiki: "Hrm... Perhaps it would be better to take a bit of a more direct route... Might I trouble an escort to the front line?">

<Guard!Armaldo: "Your... Highness?"> O_o;

<Guard!Aurorus: "Do you not see the lawlessness down there?!"> O_O;

-Stammering-

<Guard!Typhlosion: "A-Ah... Y-Your highness, I'm really not sure that's such a-">

<Csiki: "That was not a suggestion!">

A Short Time Later, a Few Hundred Yards Ahead and Below

<Guard!Kabutops: "Go back to your holes, you filthy pea-!">

<Csiki: "That is enough! Stand down, all of you!">

-And there is momentary quiet and murmuring-

<Guard!Kabutops: "Uh... Your highness... They were attempting to storm your-"> ._.

<Csiki: "Well, I am here, so they will not need to-">

-And nonchalantly catches a flying Iron Ball-

<Csiki: "Please save your missiles for after my enquiry.

Now... What is the meaning of this?

We've had to cancel the customary parades on account of this disorder!"> :|

<Red Scarf!Kadabra: "... Wait, the Emperor's talking with us?">

<Red Scarf!Lucario: "Impossible, it must be his double!">

<Csiki: "No, I assure you...">

-And raises some sharp pointed rocks in the background as proof of ability-

<Csiki: "I am very much his highness... Now... What is the meaning of this?">

<Red Scarf!Pangoro: "We're tired of those parasitic lords keeping us on their lands!">

-Other mons in red scarves nearby roar in agreement with the exclamation-

<Csiki: "... Have you brought the matter up with them? Their tenure over you is a privilege and not a right that I grant them.">

<Red Scarf!Lucario: "Well you could've fooled me! We had to fight our way just to get here!">

<Red Scarf!Clefable: "Yeah, your 'privilege' is giving away our lives and souls!"> >:(

<Red Scarf!Yamask: "And turncoats like that worm behind you just lap it up because they don't have the screws put on them!">

-There is again roaring of affirmation-

<Guard!Typhlosion: "M-Meep!">

<Guard!Aurorus: "Your highness, I think this really isn't looking-">

<Csiki: "Hrm... Why has that guard never left the capital again in the last year?">

<Guard!Archeops: "He isn't allowed, your highness... It's his duty as a serf.">

<Csiki: "Hrm... It would appear those are a grave problem, then... I was going to make a speech about how far the realm has come in this past year... But it would seem that there is perhaps one last change to be made.">

-Batting out wings-

<Csiki: "I assure you, it was never my intent to breed hardship for my subjects... Regardless of station. But it would appear that the present order of things simply cannot be made to work without such hardship...

For that reason, from this day forth, I declare an end to a serf's tie to his lord's land!">

<Red Scarf!Clefable: "Eh?!">

<Guard!Typhlosion: "H-Huh?!">

<Csiki: "So I have willed it, so it is.">

-Murmuring goes about the crowd, and the ranks of the less 'ancient' guards in the ranks, first startled... And then increasingly excited-

<Csiki: "And... I do believe that we're technically a few minutes late but... Give the signal!">

<Guard!Tyranitar: "Right away!">

-And a roar reverberates, as the skies fill with fireworks-

<Csiki: "Happy new year, my subjects.">

-The crowd erupts in cheering and both sides set aside their opposition to hail the new year together in a sea of armor and red scarves-

<Guard!Aurorus: "... The court isn't going to like this..."> ._.

<Guard!Armaldo: "Forget them! What have they done that was remotely productive all year? Enjoy the show!"> ^_^

<Guard!Aurorus: "Hrm... Point duly noted."> ^^;

<Csiki: "I wonder how your New Year is going, Tracer...">

Umber Tribe Grounds - Kanto

-A mass of bone lizards as well as a couple dozen less similar guests are watching the skies fill with color-

<Zoltan: "Wow!">

<Cecil: "Amazing!">

<Moogle: "Yeah, it's almost as good as home's, kupo!"> ^v^

"How on earth did you guys get this permitted?!" O_o;

<Reed Snorkel: "We have our ways!"> ^_^

-Cuddling with her mate-

<Kat: "So... To Kalos from here, then?">

<Sunrise: "Heh... Yeah. To Kalos! And may we gather many new stories together there!">

"Heh... Happy new year, everyone."

edited 1st Jan '14 2:24:06 AM by TracerBullet

Kalos, Chamber of Emptiness

???: Okay, so run me through this again, why am I several countries away and in some musty cave?

-There is a crackle of radio static-

???: Noc said so, and pretty sure if you wanna get in Lady Luck's good graces you do what Noc wants you to do.

???: Vechs, if this turns out to be a trap...

Vechs: Don't worry about it Talia, I've got your eyes and ears.

Talia?: You better...

edited 1st Jan '14 12:40:47 AM by Pentigan

Kalos, Chamber of Emptiness

The man with no name steps out of the shadows, mask already donned.

"Well, well, well. You aren't the Grey Fox I remember."

-The person called Talia steps back a little and adjusts her cowl, the grey leather feeling a little heavier than it really should be-

Who's Talia?/The Grey Fox?: And who are you?

Vechs: Ooh, I'm picking up some impressive augments on this guy...

Kalos, The Chamber of Emptiness

The man with no name grins behind his mask.

"I'm the other you, dearest Grey. I am the Black Fox. Your... darker counterpart."

He tilts his head to the side, as if listening to someone.

"You aren't quite alone, here, miss...?"

The Grey Fox: Hmph, not sure what to think about this...

Vechs: Ah... He might be tracing the comms Talia, not liking this...

Kalos, The Chamber of Emptiness

"You don't really need to think about it at all, miss. This is just a formal meet and greet. Get to know your coworkers, that sort of thing."

He grins again.

"I must say, I am somewhat fond of your work. Though, if I am perfectly frank with you, I preferred your predecessor."

The Grey Fox: Well, good to meet you then. Can't say I've heard of you but I can assure you I'm just as good as my "predecessor", you just haven't seen what I can do yet. -Smirks- As long as you stay outta Gaulthorn we should be just fine Mr Fox.

Vechs: I'll just open up a file for this guy...

Kalos, The Chamber of Emptiness

"Oh, I'll stay out of your city, Ms. Grey."

He smiles once more.

"Oh, and a little tidbit for your friend, there: I'm from Orre. I know blood and shadow well, my dear coworker."

He pulls out a box of cigarettes, and offers one to the other fox.

"Smoke?"

edited 1st Jan '14 1:01:45 AM by BluBeriPi

-The Grey Fox takes the cigarette and slips it into her pocket-

The Grey Fox: Not for me -Taps the side of her cowl-

Vechs: Ow, can you not do that? I couldn't get a pop filter that small...

The Grey Fox: Gotta keep myself fit and all. -Shrugs-

edited 1st Jan '14 1:05:40 AM by Pentigan

Kalos, The Chamver of Emptiness

"Heh. Funny, they fixed me right up. Apparently it's more about the mindset than the body, at least to the bigwigs. Then again, I doubt you have any bigwigs. It's always the dangerous ones that need the most chains. Oh well."

He lights the cigarette.

"I hope you don't mind me smoking."

He takes a drag on the cigarette.

"I must inquire, what's your endgame? I'm sure they gave you something, to motivate you. Or maybe the job is its own perk, hmm?"

The Grey Fox: Nah, I don't mind. And the endgame? The endgame's keeping Gaulthorn clean, that's enough reward in itself... Though the money and favors are good too...

Kalos, The Chamber of Emptiness

"Heh heh. One city. Fair enough. We all got our things to protect."

The man with no name takes another drag on the cigarette.

"So. When do you think they're gonna find the third?"

edited 1st Jan '14 1:13:18 PM by BluBeriPi

The Grey Fox: The third? Not quite reading you on that one.

Kalos, The Chamber of Emptiness.

"Wow. They tell you less than they tell me."

He clears his throat, then recites something from memory.

"And there shall be three foxes: one white, one grey, one black. A Knight, a Thief, and a Butcher. And they shall be as tools, to bring the mighty wicked low."

He smiles again, before taking another drag on his cigarette.

"I'm talking about our dear absent friend, Mr. White."

The Grey Fox: Huh, didn't get told that. Not sure where you picked it up because I got the cowl off the last guy and Noc just likes it if I get in a little wealth redistribution here and there. -Shrugs-

Kalos, The Chamber of Emptiness.

"Oh, certainly, certainly. If that's what they let you think, then whatever floats your boat, Ms. Grey. But you do work for em. We all do, in the end. Gods and their games. Like little pieces on the board. Luckily, the people we work for cheat, and they're good at it. That's the reason good always wins. The man at the top's got one mean sleight of hand."

He smiles, then sits down on a rock.

"Ah. That's better. Gotta take the pressure off these new joints, at least until I get used to them."

The Grey Fox: Well here's hoping Noc's one of them, cause I doubt even the best magician can get by without plenty of luck...

Kalos, The Chamber of Emptiness

"Oh, for sure. They all play, often multiple sides moving the same piece around. The game is always changing."

He sighs, then stubs out his cigarette.

"Bit of a subject change, but lemme ask you: did yours come with any additional titles?"

edited 1st Jan '14 1:37:09 AM by BluBeriPi

The Grey Fox: Nah, just "The Grey Fox". It's basically just what you call the guy wearing the cowl, a long line of thieves and mad gods drifting down to me. -Stops for a moment- Mad dogs. Thieves and mad dogs. What, yours come with any?

edited 1st Jan '14 1:40:20 AM by Pentigan

Kalos, The Chamber of Emptiness

He kicks at the ground.

"I think mine may have a longer history than yours, not that anyone will tell me. I got a whole bookful of titles with mine. I'm the Black Fox, the Night Angel, Nameless, The Lord of Shadows, Shadowstrider, the Scales of Justice, He-Who-Guards-Unseen, Shadowslayer, the Hound of the Hunt, and the Sa'kage."

edited 1st Jan '14 1:42:20 AM by BluBeriPi